Chrome Plating: The Complete Guide
Components, once manufactured, are passed through different surface finishing processes, for which chrome plating is also opted.
These surface finishing processes always enhance the durability and look of the component. If you want to learn about chrome plating, you can go through this guide below.
What is Chrome Plating?
Chrome plating is a method in which a layer of chromium is applied to a metal through electroplating. This process improves the durability and toughness of the component and also makes it corrosion-resistant.
The Chrome Plating Process
Chrome plating is a step-by-step process, and the section below details it.
- The first stage involves cleaning the component by degreasing it using an abrasive cleaner. It helps eliminate dirt, grease, or any other impurity on the surface.
- The component to be chrome plated is mounted on a fixture that can conduct electricity, and it is connected to the circuit for the process.
- An electro-cleaning solution is added, and the component is submerged in it. The component is then connected to the power supply. When the current passes, the residual impurities are removed.
- The component is then introduced to a chromic acid bath in the presence of electricity, and chromium ions deposit on the surface, creating a chrome layer.
- The component is then rinsed so that any residue of the chemicals is removed.
- The chrome-plated component is then polished and buffed to achieve the desired finish and is inspected thoroughly.
Benefits of Chrome Plating
Chrome plating offers versatile benefits, and some of these benefits are as follows:
- Hard chrome plating offers hardness, which is more than metallic coatings, and can withstand high stress.
- The addition of a thick layer of chromium plating protects the components from wear and tear when they are exposed to chemicals.
- Hard chrome plating, when it comes in contact with graphites, metals, and polymers, tends to have less friction and hence is suitable for moving parts.
- When the chrome plating gets damaged, it can be replaced easily and the lifespan of the parts can be enhanced.
Key Types of Chrome Plating
There are different types of chrome plating, and some of these are as follows:
Hard Chrome Plating
Hard chrome plating is the application of a thick chromium layer to the steel component. This electroplating process involves submerging the component in chromic acid and depositing a layer of chrome.
Hard chrome plating enhances the life of the components and enhances their resistance against corrosion. It even helps with oxidation resistance and chemical inertness.
Decorative Chrome Plating
Decorative chrome plating, as the name suggests, enhances the aesthetic beauty of the components. It is a thin layer and, hence, less durable.
The process of decorative chrome plating starts with nickel electroplating and sometimes even copper plating. It adds smoothness and reflectiveness before the chrome plating.
Thin Dense Chrome Plating
Thin dense chrome plating is a coating that is used in manufacturing applications.
The chromium material is electroplated on the components and has a surface texture that is microcracked and micronodular. This coating enhances the life and operational efficiency of the components.
Suitable Materials for Chrome Plating
Chrome plating can be carried out on various materials, but the main materials usually opted for chrome plating are as follows:
Stahl
Stahl is a very common material which is used in different industries. After adding a layer of chrome plating, the steel components became durable, and resistant to wear and corrosion.
Aluminium
Aluminum is mostly chosen because it is strong and lightweight. Therefore, in heavy-duty applications, aluminum proves to be a suitable choice.
When aluminum components are chrome-plated, they become resistant to corrosion and durable. Automobile parts like wheels and trims, and even aerospace components made using aluminum, are chrome-plated.
Kunststoffe
All types of plastics are not good conductors of electricity, but some of them, like ABS, can be chrome plated. It is used in the electronics and automobile industry and can offer a metallic look, being lightweight due to chrome plating.
The interior and exterior of cars and various household items manufactured using ABS are chrome plated.
Applications of Chrome Plating
Chrome plating is observed in different industries, and some of these are as follows:
Autoindustrie
Chrome plating is used in the automotive sector for functional and decorative purposes.
The components of vehicles, like trims, grilles, bumpers, and exhaust, are all chrome-plated. The reason behind their chrome plating is to enhance the resistance against wear and tear and give them a shiny look.
Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie
The aerospace industry needs strength-oriented components that are heat-resistant and lightweight. Hence, aluminum and steel, which can be chrome-plated, are commonly used in this industry.
The chrome-plated aerospace components can resist friction and corrosion and even withstand stress. Components like engine parts, landing gear, and hydraulic systems are chrome-plated.
Medizinische Industrie
Chrome plating is also used to add a protective layer to medical components and surgical tools. It helps to enhance the durability and sterilization of these components.
The chrome-plated tools are highly corrosion-resistant and can withstand chemical use and sterilization.
Schlussfolgerung
The finishing process of chrome plating gives the components new life and protects them with a protective layer. These components have a durable life span and can be used for different applications.
Start Your Chrome Plating Project with DEK
Are you starting a new project requiring chrome plating on the components? DEK can be your go-to choice as we offer high-quality secondary finishing processes, and chrome plating is also one of them.
So, give us a chance to enhance the properties of your components by adding a chrome layer to them.
FAQs
Is chrome plating expensive?
Compared to other electroplating processes, chrome plating is a little expensive as it is a complex process.
How to remove chrome plating?
Chrome-plated components can be submerged in hydrochloric acid to remove the plating.
How is chrome plating done on aluminum?
Aluminum components are first copper-plated and then subjected to the chromium-plating process.
What’s the difference between hard chrome and decorative chrome plating?
Hard chrome plating is thick and focused on the performance and function of the component. Decorative chrome plating is thinner and less durable. It enhances the look and aesthetics of the parts.
What types of chrome plating should you choose?
Every type of chrome plating has a different purpose. The decorative chrome plating is used for coating the decorative components whereas the hard chrome plating is used for a durable life.
Based on your application requirements, you can choose the type of chrome plating.
